As Colombia's peace talks approach their apparent end date, justice issues are a major sticking point.
With barely three months to go until the deadline for a final peace accord, negotiators from the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) need to overcome an impasse on the issue of transitional justice. In August, President Juan Manuel Santos appointed an ad hoc team of six lawyers (three selected by each side) to break the deadlock that had persisted for a year. On September 23, a ten-point communique was revealed in Havana as a basis for further negotiations.
Should the deadlock continue into 2016, Santos's public approval ratings are likely to suffer significantly.
The sensitive nature of truth and justice negotiations will see opposition figures attempt to use the issue to discredit the government.
The successful conclusion of peace talks could pave the way for a similar process with the ELN.
